How To Promote Yourself Without Getting The Ick
There is an art to self-promotion, the act of amplifying your work so that the people you want to reach see it and that art is something that requires intention and an ability to get over the “ick”. Self-promotion can very often give people the “ick” simply because it makes so many of us uncomfortable. How often have you cringed at something corny you’ve seen on LinkedIn or rolled your eyes at an excessively self absorbed instagram caption? It may be corny but one thing about life is that very often the people who achieve their goals are the ones who have audacity. They are the ones who lean into their gifts and don’t shy away from promoting what they do and who they are. I made the video below to give anyone who needs it a pep talk and encourage them to get over the ick of self-promotion so that they can promote their work and build their personal brand effectively:
Self-promotion often feels like walking a tightrope if you lean too far one way it might come across as “bragging.” but lean too far the other way and you’re invisible. Whatever it is that you’re trying to accomplish; job hunting, growing a business or trying to get your creative work noticed, no one will know your value unless you share it. The trick is doing it in a way that is authentic, enjoyable (as much as possible) and consistent.
Why Self-Promotion Feels Awkward
Most of us grow up with the idea that modesty is a virtue. Humility is admirable but if you’re always waiting for someone else to recognise your talents, you might wait forever. The world is noisy, and people are busy so waiting for people to notice what you’re doing is not going to take you very far. It’s not about being boastful; it’s about being clear and confident in showing what you bring to the table. I always think about this great message from Dr Maya Angelou.
Start With Your "Why"
Before you start posting about your latest project or career milestone, get clear on your “why.” Are you trying to build connections? Land a job? Inspire others? Get a book deal? Attract more clients or customers? Your purpose shapes your message, for example, if you’re a creative entrepreneur, your goal might be to share how your work makes people feel or the story behind it in order to buy into the work that you offer. If you’re a business owner, you might want to highlight how you solve a specific problem. Knowing your “why” gives your self-promotion focus and makes it more meaningful.
Share, Don’t Shout
Good self-promotion feels like a conversation, not a sales pitch. Instead of blasting people with “Look at me!” posts, frame your updates as stories or lessons. Did you overcome a challenge to finish that project? Did someone’s feedback change your perspective? Has an experience changed your world view? Sharing the journey makes your achievements relatable and engaging.
Also, don’t forget to give credit where it’s due. If others were involved in your success, shout them out, this shows that you’re collaborative and grounded and maintains solid relationships.
Add Value
The golden rule of self-promotion is to make it less about you and more about your audience. Get out of your own way and focus on what the people who you’re trying to reach would like to know about you. What’s in it for them? Can you share a tip you’ve learned, an inspiring story, something relatable or a resource they might find helpful? People are more likely to engage with your content if they think it offers something of value and resonates with who they are.
Practice Consistency
Being consistent doesn’t mean you need to flood your feeds with daily updates. It means showing up regularly enough that people remember you. Whether it’s posting on LinkedIn every few weeks, sharing behind-the-scenes snippets on Instagram, or just engaging in thoughtful conversations online, small, steady efforts add up. Don’t overthink things - even leaving a comment or resharing something is actively engaging in your visibility. Be consistent and commit to your goal.
Stay Humble and Grateful
Self-promotion doesn’t have to be a solo act. Celebrate wins, but also acknowledge the people and opportunities that helped you get there. Gratitude goes a long way in making your message resonate. Remember that it’s okay to be proud of your achievements. Confidence, when paired with humility, is magnetic…in fact it is magical.
Be Patient
Self-promotion is a long game you might not see immediate results, but that’s okay. Every post, comment, conversation, or connection is planting a seed. Stay genuine, keep adding value, and trust the process.
At the end of the day, self-promotion isn’t about shouting the loudest—it’s about sharing your story in a way that feels real. You’ve worked hard to get to where you are, so don’t be afraid to embrace it.
If you need any help and support on your journey why not take a look at one of my PR and personal branding coaching services.
This personal branding and visibility strategy day (7 hours) is ideal for business owners, entrepreneurs, creatives or professionals who want to raise their visibility and business credibility through dedicated and intentional personal brand coaching but have limited time to commit to ongoing coaching or simply want an intensive coaching session.
This coaching package is for you if:
You have been working hard in your sector for many years but do not get the recognition that you feel like you deserve.
You are tired of doubting yourself and limiting yourself in your sector.
You are often overlooked for exciting new opportunities in your sector.
You are ready for a breakthrough as a leader in your sector.
You have goals that you have buried because of your lack of confidence and concern with what other people will think.
You want to widen your circle of influence beyond the people who currently know you.
You are frustrated with the way your online footprint represents you.
You know something is holding you back and need a passionate, honest and pragmatic coach to take you to the next level.
Clients who have booked this package have left with renewed confidence in their goals and aims; established clarity as it pertains to how they position themselves in their industries and have attracted exciting opportunities which have led to career and business growth. Read what past clients have to say about the personal brand coaching sessions here.
What we will cover over the course of the day:
The Power of a Personal brand - how having a strong personal brand can open up new opportunities in your business or career journey.
Mindset and confidence review - discuss barriers and limitations and how to overcome them.
Harnessing your voice - Knowing and understanding what your message is, who your audience is and how to reach them.
Using PR to enhance your profile - Using public relations strategies to enhance your public profile.
Media training and visibility - how to engage with the press
Identifying your values & Knowing your purpose - Understanding what your brand is and how you can maintain your integrity and authenticity.
Social Media strategy - How to use social media platforms to raise your visibility.
Understanding your audience - unpacking who your audience is and why you want to engage with them
Public Speaking Tips - Advice and guidance on becoming a more confident public speaker.
Measuring Success - Assessing Long term goals and celebrating success.
How it works:
Pre-session mapping call and personal brand audit
7 hours of intensive personal branding and visibility coaching
Brainstorming and idea creation
Personal brand audit
Tangible measures to activate change
Framework to use post session
Client also receive a 60 minute photoshoot on the day at no additional cost, if for any reason the photographer is unavailable you can schedule a separate time slot. For sessions conducted remotely please send dates and times for availability for photoshoot. The 60 minutes is deducted from the 7 hour working day - if you decide not to undertake a photo shoot you will remain on the same schedule for a full day of coaching.
Lunch is included in the price for face to face sessions.
Face to face meetings can be held at a location of the client’s choice as long as there is minimal disruption - it can not be undertaken in a private residence. Travel expenses for outside London/UK must be paid by client.
Cancellations* must be made within 7 days of order being placed. After which point a refund will be made less a £50 termination fee. This is based on no work being undertaken. If work has already commenced services are not refundable but transferable.
Cancellations on the grounds of a change of business circumstances.